The Nottinghamshire stage of the Tour of Britain drew 200,000 spectators, it has been revealed.

People from across the county and country flocked to the event to watch the international athletes go by, bringing an estimated £4m to the county’s economy.

According to Nottinghamshire County Council 200,000 people lined the route and TV commentators thought that the county had the 'biggest crowds of the tour so far!'

Nottinghamshire County Council leader, Kay Cutts, who was at the race finish in Newark, said: “It was quite a day for Nottinghamshire. We witnessed a major international sporting event, broadcast live to millions of viewers with a thrilling finale and I’m delighted to have been part of it.

"Without the support, goodwill and enthusiasm of local residents, businesses, schools, we wouldn’t be able to bring this free-to-attend sporting event to our county.

The start of Stage Four of the Tour of Britain rolls out from Market Square in Mansfield (Image: Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com)

"So I want to take the opportunity to thank everyone for turning out to line the route to cheer on the riders, as well as all the hours of hard work and flair that has gone into creating the miles of bunting, countless flags, dozens and dozens of yellow bikes and all the impressive displays of land art.”

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Nottinghamshire was hosting the fourth stage of the event, which was won by Colombian cyclist Fernando Gaviaria.

Spectators lined the 165km route which started in the centre of Mansfield at 11am before going through Selston, Southwell and Newstead Abbey and ending in Newark.

Dozens of impressive displays created by groups along the race were captured by a TV helicopters, including woolly bike wheels formed by moving sheep, a bike made of boats, a giant bramley apple and a creative bike display by pupils from Newstead Primary School.

The Tour of Britain prepares to roll out of Mansfield's Market Square (Image: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com)

The race – the biggest free-to-attend sporting event in the UK – featured 120 of the world’s top cyclists.

Mansfield District council estimates that the event, which included an all-day welcome party in the town’s Market Place on Tuesday, could have boosted the local economy by as much as £4m.

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Deputy Mayor of Mansfield Cllr Mick Barton said: "It was great to see so many people coming to see the race and enjoying everything Mansfield has to offer.

"The event has been a fantastic boost for Mansfield and the local economy as well as putting the town on the map.

“The Tour of Britain organisers were particularly impressed with the running of the event here and the great atmosphere it generated in the town centre. Let's hope we can welcome them back in the future."